Evening Echo
The News
ALL the details from Southend United's press conference ahead of Saturday's match at Tamworth.
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Echo News All the updates from Blues' pre-match press conference
- Thread starter Evening Echo
- Start date
THE SEVENTIES NORTH BANK
Life President⭐⭐🦐
Southend United FC
Football
Sport.
By Chris Phillips
6:19pm
Gus has got a lot of goals from out wide this season. You used to play out wide yourself so have you been helping him?
Currie: "I don't think I ever got 13 goals in a season and I certainly never scored with my head that often that's for sure!
"Gus is very good at what he does.
"He's got a lot of license with the play we play, in particular when Bridgey is on the ball on the other side.
"He's excellent at ghosting in on the other side but there's always more to come from Gus.
"There are other parts of his game he can still improve and we have numerous conversations.
"But his goal tally is quite outstanding for a right wing back.
"He will probably agree he could maybe have had one or two more along the way as well.
"He's a real threat for us and he's got some very important goals for us.
"Long may that continue."
6:14pm
On working with Blues, Currie says: "It's a big club and we've got to start behaving that way.
"That's how I see it.
"I used to really enjoy coming here as an away player but now I'm on in the inside as one of the coaches you realise just how big the club is.
"There are high demands here which is great and we all want to be around an environment which wants to be successful.
"It's been there three years and four or five months now which is crackers but I genuinely feel that we're still only at the start.
"We're starting to make inroads into taking the club back to where it needs to be.
"It's been a long journey but an enjoyable one.
"It's been frustrating at times for everyone but it's a great place to work."
6:00pm
Currie adds: "We all feel it.
"Personally there's nothing I want more than to walk round the pitch at the end of the game and see happy faces and people clapping.
"On occasions you have to walk round and people aren't as pleasant towards you.
"That's football and that's the business we're in and love.
"Kev needs a pick up at times, so does Benno and so do I. That's why we're here to help each other and to stay aligned with our principles.
"I know Kev has said this and we can't do is tear up what we've been for the last three and a bit years and re-write it.
"There has to be tweaks but we've got strong belief in what we're trying to do here and we won't deviate too far from that."
5:57pm
On the rest of the season, Currie says: "It's nice to have a lot more positivity around the place.
"I know there has been frustration and we've been equally as frustrated as anyone else.
"It's been a bit stuttery this season and we accept that.
"We've jut felt over the past four to six weeks with the signings and the squad we've put together that we can finish the season strongly.
"There's the ultimate target at the end in terms of trying to dip into the play-offs but it's exciting and positive which is nice."
5:55pm
How much of a threat will their long throw been and can you work on dealing with that in training?
Currie: "Gussy is the only one who has got anything close to it and I think this boy can throw it twice as far.
"You saw even in the Tottenham game that it's so difficult to deal with.
"Anywhere past the half way line he goes over to take it and everyone goes marching forward.
"We coped with it well at home and we're going to have to deal with it again if the lad is selected.
"It's not just the first ball either, it's the second ball and you have to manage your box well in moments like that."
5:51pm
Any more news on potentially bringing in another keeper?
Currie: "No, at the minute.
"We've got our eyes and ears open and we're still looking at that situation.
"We've got Anssi (Jaakkola) who has a wealth of experience but not much football in recent times.
"We've got our eyes and ears open but at the minute it's Hayesy (Nick Hayes) and Anssi in the background."
5:48pm
Did everyone make it through this week injury wise?
Currie: "Apart from the gaffer, yes!
"He's the only one who is a bit rough at the minute but everyone is fine.
"You get niggles along the way and a few kicks in the game but we've got a clean bill of health at the minute other than the ones who have been out."
5:45pm
Currie: "The mentality has to remain sharp now.
"We've always been next game mentality since we first walked through the door and we don't look too far ahead.
"On the back of three positive results it's about Tamworth now and no further than that."
5:40pm
On facing Tamworth, Currie says: "It will be very, very difficult.
"The surface will be tricky and they've got a style of play which will always ask question of you defensively.
"In many ways the last 15/20 minutes of the other night might stand us in good stead.
"It was a little bit backs against the wall and we had to defend our box well which we did.
"I expect it to be very similar on Saturday. They'll ask questions we've got to stand up to.
"Then we've got to be good when we have our moments and our time on the ball.
"We'll continue to look to be clinical when we get our chances too."
5:36pm
On being able to rotate players, Currie says: "It's been unfamiliar territory in all honesty.
"Obviously we had our season last year and the early part of this year the squad wasn't as strong as we wanted it to be.
"Now we're in a territory where we can rotate the team around so we're fresh without disrupting too much.
"We can make one or two changes to give people opportunities and to freshen it up.
"It also allows us to make changes late in games to freshen it up then as well.
"It's been a real plus for us having a healthy squad."
5:31pm
Here's what Darren Currie had to say: "Once you start winning games and get points on the board you want the games to come quicker because there's a confidence in the group at the minute.
"It's pleasing to have done well at home because we're aware our home form hasn't been where we want it to be so to have these three games and to have seven points is pleasing for everyone."
4:29pm
You've lost your flat-mate from last season (Wes Fonguck). Do you live with any other players now?
Gus: "I commute in now and combine that with living in the hotel."
4:20pm
Asked again about Tuesday, Gus replies: "The first 45 minutes was the worst performance I've ever had for Southend.
"I don't know what I was doing.
"When I scored the lads came over laughing because I had to apologise to them at half-time.
"That's why I didn't really celebrate!
"It's one of them really. It happens."
4:15pm
Gus adds: "I've always just loved football.
"Since coming here and being given an opportunity to thrive in front of thousands of fans at such a big club it's really ignited that hunger and desire to do as well I can for myself and the football club.
"I love my time here. It's unbelievable and I want to keep it going."
4:14pm
When did you last get this number of goals in a season?
Gus: "I must have been a young, young kid.
"When I was younger I played up front.
"It was a mix between right back and up front and it was a bit like that with my brother too.
"He played centre-half and up front as well so it must be a knack in the family.
"It's one of those seasons for me where things seem to be hitting me and going in.
"I'll just keep on kissing my lucky egg and keep on going."
Do you have superstitions then?
Gus: "I have so many.
"I can't list them all!
"They're becoming more and more and I need the season to end so I can scrap them!
"I must have at least eight or nine now that I do every week.
"It's getting ridiculous!"
4:09pm
Is there pitch more of a challenge or do you just get on with it?
Gus: "It's a bit of both.
"It's a challenge because you're not used to it as much.
"In the lower leagues a lot of teams have 3G pitches so you can get used to them but I think it's just one team now in our league.
"We'll do our prep tomorrow on 3G and we'll go from there."
4:03pm
On facing Tamworth, Gus said: "I've played many times from when I was with Royston back in the lower leagues.
"They've done unbelievably well to get to where they are now and it's a very tough place to go and play.
"We will need to be on our A game to get three points there."
4:02pm
How was it having it Leon Parillon in midfield?
Gus: "He's been excellent.
"It's not easy when you come in from a team midway through the season.
"He's been outstanding coming in and for him he's probably learning his role.
"It's about getting more minutes and that will come with time because there are a lot of good players in that position.
"He's doing really well."
3:58pm
Gus: "It's crunch time and Tuesday really stated that.
"We can walk off the pitch knowing we haven't played well and that it was a difficult game but we've got three points to take us eighth.
"That's all that matters now.
"We can be rubbish until the end of the season but if we make the play-offs everyone will have a smile on their face.
"Results matter now."
3:55pm
On the wing-back role, Gus adds: "I think Bridgey and I are very different as wing-backs.
"I'm probably a bit more roll your sleeves up and have more a fight where he's a prettier player, he dribbles and catches the eye.
"It works in tandem and we have a good partnership.
"We both know what we're going to do and I enjoy it."
3:41pm
Asked about the targets for the rest of the season, Gus says: "To get in the play-offs.
"We had a slow start and a slow season so far.
"We've give ourselves a slight uphill battle but these last 15 games we really need to pick up.
"Hopefully we can peak at the right time now and get on a good run to get into the play-offs."
3:38pm
Do you yourself as a defender or an attacking player?
Gus: "Both. At wing-back you're asked to defend your back post but to also supply for the team at the other end.
"If I just sit at right-back then I can't supply for the strikers or the midfield so it's very much both.
"I like to add goals and assists to my games because as a right-wing back I think you need to do that.
"But at the same time you can't be leaving the back door open and letting your man beat you or score."
3:35pm
What's the secret behind your goalscoring form?
Gus: "It sounds stupid but just wanting to score.
"I know it sounds really vague and stupid but I just get in the box as many times as possible and making the runs when some others may not.
"Just position yourself where the ball may drop and that's helped me.
"Hopefully one drops to you but at wing-back you don't get loads of chances so you have to try and make it count by putting it in the back of the net."
3:33pm
Asked about his form, Gus replies and laughs: "I think the first half on Tuesday was the worst I've ever played for Southend!
"In general I've been very happy though.
"I go out and just try my best every time.
"I try and score and try and assist to help us win games of football.
"I'm very happy but there's still a long way to go this season and hopefully we can kick on and I can get a few more goals."
3:31pm
Up first is Gus who is asked about the run of recent home games.
He says: "Very happy. It was a tough run of fixtures in terms of where teams are in the league but we know at home we're very good.
"Having the three in a row at home helped us and we're very pleased to get seven points from nine as a team."
3:03pm
We're going to be speaking to Gus Scott-Morriss and Darren Currie
2:57pm
Blues will go into the game eighth in the table after picking up seven points out of nine in three matches at Roots Hall in quick succession. Tamworth are currently 15th.
2:55pm
Back at Boots & Laces this afternoon ahead of Southend United's first ever trip to Tamworth.
Football
Sport.
By Chris Phillips
6:19pm
Gus has got a lot of goals from out wide this season. You used to play out wide yourself so have you been helping him?
Currie: "I don't think I ever got 13 goals in a season and I certainly never scored with my head that often that's for sure!
"Gus is very good at what he does.
"He's got a lot of license with the play we play, in particular when Bridgey is on the ball on the other side.
"He's excellent at ghosting in on the other side but there's always more to come from Gus.
"There are other parts of his game he can still improve and we have numerous conversations.
"But his goal tally is quite outstanding for a right wing back.
"He will probably agree he could maybe have had one or two more along the way as well.
"He's a real threat for us and he's got some very important goals for us.
"Long may that continue."
6:14pm
On working with Blues, Currie says: "It's a big club and we've got to start behaving that way.
"That's how I see it.
"I used to really enjoy coming here as an away player but now I'm on in the inside as one of the coaches you realise just how big the club is.
"There are high demands here which is great and we all want to be around an environment which wants to be successful.
"It's been there three years and four or five months now which is crackers but I genuinely feel that we're still only at the start.
"We're starting to make inroads into taking the club back to where it needs to be.
"It's been a long journey but an enjoyable one.
"It's been frustrating at times for everyone but it's a great place to work."
6:00pm
Currie adds: "We all feel it.
"Personally there's nothing I want more than to walk round the pitch at the end of the game and see happy faces and people clapping.
"On occasions you have to walk round and people aren't as pleasant towards you.
"That's football and that's the business we're in and love.
"Kev needs a pick up at times, so does Benno and so do I. That's why we're here to help each other and to stay aligned with our principles.
"I know Kev has said this and we can't do is tear up what we've been for the last three and a bit years and re-write it.
"There has to be tweaks but we've got strong belief in what we're trying to do here and we won't deviate too far from that."
5:57pm
On the rest of the season, Currie says: "It's nice to have a lot more positivity around the place.
"I know there has been frustration and we've been equally as frustrated as anyone else.
"It's been a bit stuttery this season and we accept that.
"We've jut felt over the past four to six weeks with the signings and the squad we've put together that we can finish the season strongly.
"There's the ultimate target at the end in terms of trying to dip into the play-offs but it's exciting and positive which is nice."
5:55pm
How much of a threat will their long throw been and can you work on dealing with that in training?
Currie: "Gussy is the only one who has got anything close to it and I think this boy can throw it twice as far.
"You saw even in the Tottenham game that it's so difficult to deal with.
"Anywhere past the half way line he goes over to take it and everyone goes marching forward.
"We coped with it well at home and we're going to have to deal with it again if the lad is selected.
"It's not just the first ball either, it's the second ball and you have to manage your box well in moments like that."
5:51pm
Any more news on potentially bringing in another keeper?
Currie: "No, at the minute.
"We've got our eyes and ears open and we're still looking at that situation.
"We've got Anssi (Jaakkola) who has a wealth of experience but not much football in recent times.
"We've got our eyes and ears open but at the minute it's Hayesy (Nick Hayes) and Anssi in the background."
5:48pm
Did everyone make it through this week injury wise?
Currie: "Apart from the gaffer, yes!
"He's the only one who is a bit rough at the minute but everyone is fine.
"You get niggles along the way and a few kicks in the game but we've got a clean bill of health at the minute other than the ones who have been out."
5:45pm
Currie: "The mentality has to remain sharp now.
"We've always been next game mentality since we first walked through the door and we don't look too far ahead.
"On the back of three positive results it's about Tamworth now and no further than that."
5:40pm
On facing Tamworth, Currie says: "It will be very, very difficult.
"The surface will be tricky and they've got a style of play which will always ask question of you defensively.
"In many ways the last 15/20 minutes of the other night might stand us in good stead.
"It was a little bit backs against the wall and we had to defend our box well which we did.
"I expect it to be very similar on Saturday. They'll ask questions we've got to stand up to.
"Then we've got to be good when we have our moments and our time on the ball.
"We'll continue to look to be clinical when we get our chances too."
5:36pm
On being able to rotate players, Currie says: "It's been unfamiliar territory in all honesty.
"Obviously we had our season last year and the early part of this year the squad wasn't as strong as we wanted it to be.
"Now we're in a territory where we can rotate the team around so we're fresh without disrupting too much.
"We can make one or two changes to give people opportunities and to freshen it up.
"It also allows us to make changes late in games to freshen it up then as well.
"It's been a real plus for us having a healthy squad."
5:31pm
Here's what Darren Currie had to say: "Once you start winning games and get points on the board you want the games to come quicker because there's a confidence in the group at the minute.
"It's pleasing to have done well at home because we're aware our home form hasn't been where we want it to be so to have these three games and to have seven points is pleasing for everyone."
4:29pm
You've lost your flat-mate from last season (Wes Fonguck). Do you live with any other players now?
Gus: "I commute in now and combine that with living in the hotel."
4:20pm
Asked again about Tuesday, Gus replies: "The first 45 minutes was the worst performance I've ever had for Southend.
"I don't know what I was doing.
"When I scored the lads came over laughing because I had to apologise to them at half-time.
"That's why I didn't really celebrate!
"It's one of them really. It happens."
4:15pm
Gus adds: "I've always just loved football.
"Since coming here and being given an opportunity to thrive in front of thousands of fans at such a big club it's really ignited that hunger and desire to do as well I can for myself and the football club.
"I love my time here. It's unbelievable and I want to keep it going."
4:14pm
When did you last get this number of goals in a season?
Gus: "I must have been a young, young kid.
"When I was younger I played up front.
"It was a mix between right back and up front and it was a bit like that with my brother too.
"He played centre-half and up front as well so it must be a knack in the family.
"It's one of those seasons for me where things seem to be hitting me and going in.
"I'll just keep on kissing my lucky egg and keep on going."
Do you have superstitions then?
Gus: "I have so many.
"I can't list them all!
"They're becoming more and more and I need the season to end so I can scrap them!
"I must have at least eight or nine now that I do every week.
"It's getting ridiculous!"
4:09pm
Is there pitch more of a challenge or do you just get on with it?
Gus: "It's a bit of both.
"It's a challenge because you're not used to it as much.
"In the lower leagues a lot of teams have 3G pitches so you can get used to them but I think it's just one team now in our league.
"We'll do our prep tomorrow on 3G and we'll go from there."
4:03pm
On facing Tamworth, Gus said: "I've played many times from when I was with Royston back in the lower leagues.
"They've done unbelievably well to get to where they are now and it's a very tough place to go and play.
"We will need to be on our A game to get three points there."
4:02pm
How was it having it Leon Parillon in midfield?
Gus: "He's been excellent.
"It's not easy when you come in from a team midway through the season.
"He's been outstanding coming in and for him he's probably learning his role.
"It's about getting more minutes and that will come with time because there are a lot of good players in that position.
"He's doing really well."
3:58pm
Gus: "It's crunch time and Tuesday really stated that.
"We can walk off the pitch knowing we haven't played well and that it was a difficult game but we've got three points to take us eighth.
"That's all that matters now.
"We can be rubbish until the end of the season but if we make the play-offs everyone will have a smile on their face.
"Results matter now."
3:55pm
On the wing-back role, Gus adds: "I think Bridgey and I are very different as wing-backs.
"I'm probably a bit more roll your sleeves up and have more a fight where he's a prettier player, he dribbles and catches the eye.
"It works in tandem and we have a good partnership.
"We both know what we're going to do and I enjoy it."
3:41pm
Asked about the targets for the rest of the season, Gus says: "To get in the play-offs.
"We had a slow start and a slow season so far.
"We've give ourselves a slight uphill battle but these last 15 games we really need to pick up.
"Hopefully we can peak at the right time now and get on a good run to get into the play-offs."
3:38pm
Do you yourself as a defender or an attacking player?
Gus: "Both. At wing-back you're asked to defend your back post but to also supply for the team at the other end.
"If I just sit at right-back then I can't supply for the strikers or the midfield so it's very much both.
"I like to add goals and assists to my games because as a right-wing back I think you need to do that.
"But at the same time you can't be leaving the back door open and letting your man beat you or score."
3:35pm
What's the secret behind your goalscoring form?
Gus: "It sounds stupid but just wanting to score.
"I know it sounds really vague and stupid but I just get in the box as many times as possible and making the runs when some others may not.
"Just position yourself where the ball may drop and that's helped me.
"Hopefully one drops to you but at wing-back you don't get loads of chances so you have to try and make it count by putting it in the back of the net."
3:33pm
Asked about his form, Gus replies and laughs: "I think the first half on Tuesday was the worst I've ever played for Southend!
"In general I've been very happy though.
"I go out and just try my best every time.
"I try and score and try and assist to help us win games of football.
"I'm very happy but there's still a long way to go this season and hopefully we can kick on and I can get a few more goals."
3:31pm
Up first is Gus who is asked about the run of recent home games.
He says: "Very happy. It was a tough run of fixtures in terms of where teams are in the league but we know at home we're very good.
"Having the three in a row at home helped us and we're very pleased to get seven points from nine as a team."
3:03pm
We're going to be speaking to Gus Scott-Morriss and Darren Currie
2:57pm
Blues will go into the game eighth in the table after picking up seven points out of nine in three matches at Roots Hall in quick succession. Tamworth are currently 15th.
2:55pm
Back at Boots & Laces this afternoon ahead of Southend United's first ever trip to Tamworth.
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